William Stanley Braithwaite, "A City Garden" (1904)
HID in a close and lowly nook,
In a city yard where no grass grows—
Wherein nor sun, nor stars may look
Full faced—are planted three short rows
Of pansies, geraniums, and a rose.
A little girl with quiet, wide eyes,
Slender figured, in tattered gown,
Whose pallored face no country skies
Have quickened to a healthy brown,
Made this garden in the barren town.
Poor little flowers, your life is hard;
No sun, nor wind, nor evening dew.
Poor little maid, whose city yard
Is a world of happy dreams to you—
God grant some day your dreams come true.
—WILLIAM STANLEY BRAITHWAITE.
Published in "Lyrics of Life and Love" (1904)
Also published in "The Dunbar Speaker and Entertainer" (1920)